UPDATE: Maybe this new airline isn’t so brave after all. Both of its routes are subsidized under the federal government’s Essential Air Service program.

EARLIER: Don’t know a whole lot about GeorgiaSkies, but I do know this brand new airline – and the people who run it – have courage.

After all, they’re starting out in such a volatile environment (crazy oil prices, worsening economy) plus GeorgiaSkies’ schedule is a bit on the light side: you can fly between Atlanta and Macon or Atlanta and Athens. I should note that the distance between Atlanta and Macon is 87 miles – while the distance between Atlanta and Athens is 73 miles.

There are some who would call that – driving distance.

Still, as I said, this airline is game: it has its “state of the art PropJets” (which means the site can boast that they’re “Committed to a Greener Georgia”) and, when the airline debuts on Sept. 29, it will offer $9 promotional flights. It also has a charter business.

If anyone gives GeorgiaSkies a try, let me know.